Couple sues Home Depot claiming damage caused by contract installers

A New Orleans couple is suing Home Depot and a flooring installation company after water leaked into their condo during a flooring project.

Charles and Clare Austin say their condo on Commerce Street was damaged by water in October 2009 when a worker with Baldwin Flooring Installation LLC allegedly punctured the sprinkler system with a screw while replacing the bathroom floor in the condo above.

Baldwin Flooring was contracted by Home Depot to perform the work. The Austins filed a lawsuit against both companies and Bakers Insurance Co. Sept. 29 in Orleans Parish District Court.

The condo owners accuse Home Depot of negligence for failing to hire properly-trained and experienced installers and for failing to ensure the accuracy of the work being performed by the craftsmen. They say Baldwin Floor is liable because it hired workers who negligently punctured the sprinkler system.

The Austins are asking to be compensated for water damage done to their condo and furniture, along with mental anguish and inconvenience.

Attorneys Hunter T. Harris and Darleen M. Jacobs of New Orleans are representing the Austins.

Orleans Parish District Court Case No. 10-10031.